TWELVE final-year students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s (UMS) Police Undergraduate Voluntary Corps (Suksis) summited Mount Kina­balu in an expedition aimed at honing leadership, discipline and self-management through outdoor learning.

The expedition was fully orga­nised by the students with support from the police and technical assistance from Sabah Parks.

It served as a capstone experience for the cadets before graduation.

At 4,095m, Mount Kinabalu is Malaysia’s highest peak and a challenging climb even for experienced hikers.

The ascent typically begins at Timpohon Gate, with climbers spending a night at Panalaban prior to reaching the summit at Low’s Peak before sunrise.

Programme director Mohammad Azmir Misnani said the climb was not just about physical endurance but also about navigating real-world challenges that demanded mental resilience, teamwork and quick decision-making in a high-risk environment.

“We train to serve in the real world. Mount Kinabalu tested our limits and taught us the values of trust and perseverance,” he said in a media statement.

“Field experiences like this help develop identity, strength and leadership in profound and lasting ways,” he added.

At the summit, the cadets raised the flags of UMS, police, student corps and Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS), the main sponsor of the expedition.

UMS Suksis commandant ACP/KS Prof Dr Rosalam Sabartly congratulated the students for reaching the summit, and proposed that the expedition be made an annual event for final-year cadets.

“This programme reflects the resilience, teamwork and spirit of service we want to instil in our future leaders,” said Prof Rosalam.

“I hope our collaboration with the police continues to grow stronger through Suksis.”

Also present were DSP Chai Yee Siang from Sabah police Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department, Suksis adjutant DSP/KS Mohd Edrus Othman and Suksis coordinator ASP Mohd Fairul Mohd Shah.